Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2023
CONTACT: Brian Voigt, Senior Planner
Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
voigt@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

Update of Projects Included in the Agency of Natural Resources Watershed Projects Database

Montpelier, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) has been awarded grant funding through the Water Quality Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources 604b program. The grant is being administered by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Formed in 1967, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) works with and for twenty-three municipalities in Washington and Orange Counties. CVRPC’s mission is to assist member municipalities in providing effective local government and work cooperatively with them to address regional issues. CVRPC engages with area non-profits, regional organizations, and State and Federal agencies to implement projects and programs tailored to local and regional needs, as well as those of statewide importance and interest.

CVRPC intends to utilize the 604b grant funding to review Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Reports, Road Erosion Inventories, River Corridor Plans and Stormwater Master Plans. The review process aims to ensure projects identified through these assessments are both included and accurately represented in the Agency of Natural Resource’s Watershed Projects Database. Project stakeholders include the municipalities served by the CVRPC, watershed and land conservation groups, the Agency of Natural Resources, the Winooski Clean Water Service Provider and its Basin Water Quality Council, and the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District. This project is anticipated to benefit stakeholders by identifying potential water quality restoration project priorities which, when implemented, will lead to improved water resources in the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 23, 2023
Contact: Christian Meyer, Executive Director
meyer@cvregion.com
802-229-0389

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission Appoints New Executive Director
Christian Meyer has been appointed executive director of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC). Christian has worked with the organization since 2021 and served as the acting director since October 2022.

Christian joined CVRPC in early 2021 as a senior transportation planner, coming from Waterbury, Connecticut where he worked on similar regional issues with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. He brings his experience working with municipalities to help them identify and obtain the resources needed to achieve their goals. In his new role, Christian intends to build on the existing relationships with local leaders from the Central Vermont region, which includes Washington County and the towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown, to ensure each municipality understands and benefits from the assistance that is available to them through their partnership with the Regional Planning Commission.

Christian, a native of Maple Corner in the Town of Calais, currently lives in Montpelier with his wife and two children. He enjoys working on his house and bumping into new and old acquaintances on the streets of Montpelier.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 19, 2022
CONTACT: Brian Voigt, Senior Planner, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
voigt@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

Update of Washington County Projects Included in the Agency of Natural
Resources Watershed Projects Database

Montpelier, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) received grant funding from the Water Quality Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) via a 604b grant administered by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Formed in 1967, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) works with and for twenty-three municipalities in Central Vermont, including 20 municipalities in Washington County and 3 in Orange County. CVRPC’s mission is to assist member municipalities in providing effective local government and to work cooperatively with them to address regional issues. CVRPC works with area non-profits, regional organizations, and State and Federal agencies to implement a variety of projects and programs tailored to local and regional needs, and complete projects of statewide importance and interest.

CVRPC used the 604b grant funding to review sector-based assessments (e.g. Stormwater Master Plans) to ensure projects identified through the assessment process are both included and accurately represented in the Watershed Projects Database. CVRPC conducted this project to benefit a variety of stakeholders including the municipalities served by the CVRPC, watershed and land conservation groups, the Agency of Natural Resources, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and the Winooski Clean Water Service Provider / Basin Water Quality Council.

CVRPC staff reviewed all of the Stormwater Master Plans and Stormwater Infrastructure Map Reports (39 plans and reports in total) for the 20 Washington County municipalities served by CVRPC and identified 57 projects not included in the Watershed Projects Database and 28 projects with discrepancies between the report information and the Watershed Projects Database entry. Updating the Watershed Projects Database with the most current, complete and accurate stormwater project information is critical for advancing statewide stormwater and nutrient management goals. Project findings will be shared with stakeholders for their review. Information gleaned during this outreach effort (e.g. project was advanced with other funds and the database record needs to be updated) will help with the tactical basin planning process and serve as a useful tool for identifying projects for advancement through the Basin 8 Clean Water Service Provider Formula Grant and / or Water Quality Enhancement Grants.


For Immediate Release: December 6, 2021

CONTACT: Grace Vinson, Planner; (802)229-0289; vinson@cvregion.com

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission to Hold Winooski Basin Water Quality Council Informational Sessions

Montpelier, VTCentral Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) has been designated the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Winooski Basin. Currently, CVRPC is conducting outreach to form the Basin Water Quality Council (BWQC). Designated under Act 76, the Winooski CWSP will provide on the ground support for non-regulatory clean water projects to achieve pollution reduction in the Winooski Basin. The nine-member Basin Water Quality Council (BWQC) will prioritize and select clean water projects for funding. The following entities have been provided seats:

  • (2) members representing municipalities in the basin
  • (2) members representing Natural Resource Conservation Districts
  • (2) members representing Regional Planning Commissions
  • (2) members representing Watershed Protection Organizations
  • (1) member representing Land Conservation Organizations

CVRPC is hosting two informational sessions which are scheduled for December 8 and December 15 for municipalities, groups, and individuals interested in serving on the BWQC. The Winooski CWSP and BWQC will be playing an important role in the prioritization of clean water projects and helping those projects access funding. Attending an informational session will help prospective council members understand the BWQC’s role and how individuals may become involved.

Contact vinson@cvregion.com with any questions.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 15, 2021

CONTACT:         Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont RPC |  deandrea@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

 CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND TOWN OF MORETOWN COMPLETE STORMWATER TREATMENT FINAL DESIGN PHASE

Moretown, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is pleased to announce that they have completed the final engineering design phase for a project that will treat stormwater runoff at the Moretown Elementary School and Town Office in Moretown, VT.  The project will treat stormwater draining from surrounding hillsides and the parking lot shared by the school and the Town Offices.  This stormwater treatment will reduce erosion from the parking lot which causes sediment and phosphorus loading into the nearby Mad River.  The parking lot at the site is in poor condition and has significant ponding, puddling, rutting, and erosion and historically poor drainage around the school has caused flooding problems in the school building.

This final design includes one gravel wetland and three sand filters that will improve water quality in both Doctors Brook and the Mad River and alleviate drainage problems.  This project started with a Stormwater Master Planning (SWMP) process where it was identified and prioritized as one of the top five projects within the plan to help reduce sediment and phosphorus pollutant loadings within the Mad River watershed and ultimately Lake Champlain.  The SWMP and subsequent final design was funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Clean Water fund.  Many stakeholders were a part of the projects success including the Town of Moretown, Moretown Elementary School Principal and School District Director of Maintenance & Operations, adjacent landowners, and Friends of the Mad River.

The final design work was completed in September 2021 by Watershed Consulting Associates, LLC (WCA) and Civil Engineering Associates, Inc. (CEA).  This project is a wonderful example of partners working together to address stormwater runoff from a municipally owned property that will provide educational benefits for both the community and students at the school.  The support of the Town of Moretown, the School and local landowners have been integral in making this project a success by committing to treating the stormwater and keep it from just running off into nearby waterways carrying pollutants including sediment and phosphorus with it.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 1, 2021

CONTACT:        Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont RPC | deandrea@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND TOWN OF CALAIS COMPLETE STORMWATER TREATMENT DESIGN PHASE IN EAST CALAISEroding gully caused by stormwater runoff

East Calais, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is pleased to announce that they have completed the final engineering design phase for two projects that will treat stormwater runoff in the Village of East Calais, VT.  One project is located at the East Calais Post Office and the other project will treat stormwater coming down Moscow Woods Road and restore an eroding gully that has developed along the nearby Kingsbury Branch.  These projects started with a Stormwater Master Planning (SWMP) process where they were identified and prioritized as two of the top five projects within the plan to help reduce sediment and phosphorus pollutant loadings within the Kingsbury Branch watershed and ultimately Lake Champlain.  The SWMP and subsequent final design was funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Clean Water fund.  CVRPC received funding for the final design through the Clean Water Design Implementation Block Grant program managed by the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC).

The final design was completed in September 2021 by SLR International (formerly Milone and MacBroom) and is a wonderful example of partners working together to address stormwater runoff from roads and adjacent hills that led to the problem of downslope erosion and gully development which gets worse each year and has caused dangers to using a local trail.  The support of the Town of Calais and local landowners have been integral in making this project a success by committing to restoring the gully to arrest it’s continued migration and to reduce sediment loading into the Kingsbury Branch.  In addition, treating stormwater is essential to reduce the volume of water entering the gully area, which will occur at the Post Office site and along Moscow Woods Road.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission continues to work with its member municipalities to manage stormwater and encourage efforts to improve water quality.  The CVRPC assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues.  The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.  For more information on CVRPC, please visit www.centralvtplanning.org.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 23, 2021

CONTACT: Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont RPC deandrea@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND TOWN OF BERLIN IMPLEMENT STORMWATER TREATMENT AT BERLIN TOWN OFFICE

Berlin, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is pleased to announce that they have completed a multi-phase project to treat stormwater runoff at the Berlin Town Office in Berlin, VT. This project started with a Stormwater Master Planning (SWMP) process where it was identified and prioritized as one of the top five projects within the plan to help reduce sediment and phosphorus pollutant loadings within the Steven’s Branch watershed and ultimately Lake Champlain. The SWMP and subsequent final design and construction was funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Clean Water fund.  CVRPC received funding for the final design and construction through the Clean Water Design Implementation Block Grant program managed by the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC).

The construction was completed in the summer of 2021 and is a wonderful example of partners working together to help a municipality meet the recent 3-acre permit (Stormwater General Permit 3-9050) requirements. The property where the Berlin Town Office and Garage is located is considered a “3-acre property” as it has more than 3 acres of impervious surfaces (land areas that do not drain). The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation issued the 3-acre permit in September of 2020, which includes requiring all properties with greater than 3-acres of impervious surfaces (including properties developed prior to 2002 stormwater permit regulations) to treat stormwater runoff before it enters nearby waterways. For more information on the Stormwater General Permit 3-9050 please visit https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/stormwater/9050.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission continues to work with its member municipalities to encourage efforts to improve water quality and to help them meet the 3-acre permit. The CVRPC assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues. The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs. For more information on CVRPC, please visit www.centralvtplanning.org.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Bonnie Waninger, Executive Director – waninger@cvregion.com

Economic Development Workshop

Help shape a strategy for Economic Development in Central Vermont

Montpelier, VT – Updated June 17, 2021 – Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) and Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC) invite you to join us to help shape future economic development efforts in Washington and Orange Counties, and across Vermont.

On Thursday, June 24th at 6 PM a virtual workshop will be held for local business leaders, regional stakeholders, municipal representatives and residents.

Through this workshop, CVRPC and CVEDC seek to inform local leaders and community members of our collaboration with partner regional planning commissions and regional development corporations in Addison, Chittenden, and Rutland Counties to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for West Central Vermont.

The input gathered from this workshop about regional economic strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and, most importantly, desired results will be used to help guide the development of a CEDS over the next year.

For more information on what a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) means for the region, the link to join this meeting and other opportunities to participate, please visit westcentralvt.org and centralvtplanning.org

NOTE:  Physical Location:  29 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier

(Facial coverings required for in-person participation)

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2020

CONTACT:        Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont RPC

deandrea@cvregion.com, Office: (802) 229-0389

 CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ASSIST STATE TACTICAL BASIN PLANNING

Montpelier, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is pleased to announce expanded outreach and services to municipalities and the public to enhance water quality and tactical basin planning efforts for the Lamoille River (Basin 7).  “As Watershed Planners, we value the role regional planning commissions play given their strong ties to the municipalities. This collaboration makes our plans stronger and more tailored to the communities the plans are written to serve,” said Danielle Owczarski of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The work is supported through a grant provided by the DEC. Activities began this fall and will continue through July 2021.

Tactical Basin Plans help identify and focus efforts needed to protect or restore specific watersheds through the state. Danielle Owczarski, Watershed Planner, is leading the update of the Basin 7 Tactical Basin Plan (TBP) for the DEC. CVRPC staff will assist the Watershed Planner by facilitating enhanced municipal and public input during the drafting process so that the TBP accurately reflects local concerns and priorities. Basin Plans act as an umbrella for planning initiatives, including Stormwater Master Planning and River Corridor Planning, to strategically address regional watershed priorities.  A formal draft of the TBP is anticipated to be released in the fall of 2021. For more information on the Tactical Basin Planning process, please visit this story map.

The CVRPC will work with its member municipalities to encourage efforts to improve water quality. These may include recommendations for zoning bylaw protections (such as river corridor protections), assistance with securing funding for project development and implementation, or helping towns comply with the recently released DEC General Permit 3-9050, aka the “developed lands” permit.
The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues. The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs. For more information on CVRPC, please visit www.centralvtplanning.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           Bonnie Waninger, Executive Director

waninger@cvregion.com

802-229-0389

Award Winning Central Vermont Food Access Map Demonstrates

the Importance of Community Design to Improving Health

 Montpelier, Vermont – June 22, 2020 – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission has been awarded a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) award for development of a Food Access Map for the Hunger Council of Washington County.  The SAG award is given annually to a limited number of ESRI’s GIS clients around the world to recognize outstanding work with Geography Systems Technology (GIS) technology in a field of over 100,000 organizations.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a framework using hardware, software, data, and people to gather, manage, analyze, and visualize data.  The resulting maps provide deeper insights into data and help users make informed decisions.

“Helping the Council visualize food access was a natural fit with the Commission’s GIS skills.  The map demonstrates that decisions related to community design can affect people’s health,” said Bonnie Waninger, Executive Director of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission.

“Our goal with the mapping tool was to understand where “food deserts” were in our county and how various factors like bus routes, locations of jobs, and types of food available in various stores impacted the results”, said Eileen Pelletier, Executive Director of Downstreet Housing and Community Development and Co-Chair of the Hunger Council of Washington County.  “With the interactive map tool, we can layer these variables in different groupings to help us strategize solutions.”

“Hunger Councils create opportunity for organizations and community leaders to bring their diverse perspectives to the table to address the issue of hunger in their communities.  The creative partnership that formed to develop this mapping tool is a prime example,” said Anore Horton, Executive Director of Hunger Free Vermont.”

The Vermont Department of Health, Green Mountain United Way, Downstreet Housing & Community Development, Vermont 2-1-1, and Hunger Free Vermont were instrumental in guiding the map’s development.  The Retail Food Access Map and its important contribution to GIS will be showcased at the SAG Award Virtual Conference in July 2020, and at ESRI’s award landing page – www.esri.com/sag-award.  The map is available at http://map.ccrpcvt.org/foodretailaccess/.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) assists its 23 member municipalities in Washington and Orange Counties to provide effective local government and to work cooperatively to address regional issues.  We leverage the power of people working together to build healthy communities in Central Vermont.  Learn more at centralvtplanning.org.

The Hunger Councils of Vermont are groups of local, regional, and statewide leaders who come together regularly to address issues related to hunger in their communities. These groups share information, collaborate on projects, and help raise public awareness of the causes of hunger and how we can work together to end it in Vermont. Hunger Councils are led by members of the community, and supported by Hunger Free Vermont.  There are ten Hunger Councils covering the entire state of Vermont and the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. The Hunger Council of Washington County was established in 2006.

Hunger Free Vermont is the statewide nonprofit organization that advocates and educates to bring a permanent end to hunger in Vermont through systemic change, universal strategies, and community collaboration.

ESRI is the global market leader in GIS (Geographic Informational Systems).  Its SAG Award recognizes organizations, like CVRPC, that use GIS to improve our world.  Visit www.esri.com for information.

###

For Immediate Release – March 30, 2020

The Health Center, Plainfield Stormwater Mitigation

The Central Vermont Stormwater Master Plan for Barre Town, Barre City, and Plainfield was completed in 2018 and identified The Health Center in Plainfield as a priority. Before The Health Center was constructed, there was evidence of a gully which has since gotten deeper, wider, and longer. It sits between the existing stormwater pond and the Winooski River floodplain. The gully developed from a combination of stormwater runoff from Routes 214, Route 2 and other impervious surfaces in the neighborhood.  Despite the installation of a stormwater pond at the Health Center to treat impervious surfaces on that property, stormwater from the roads could still enter the gully area exacerbating the problem.  The Health Center received a conceptual design as part of the stormwater master planning process, and in February 2020, Milone and MacBroom, Inc. completed a final design for the site through an Ecosystem Restoration Program grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The final design proposed by Milone and MacBroom, Inc. includes re-grading a stormwater settling area below the existing detention pond, and adding a stone rip-rap filtering berm. Due to site constraints, Milone and MacBroom, Inc. decided to prioritize detention using the existing stormwater pond and use the settling area to slow the volume of stormwater entering the gully.  A stone rip-rap filtering berm will prevent the existing stormwater pipes from becoming backwatered. Gully stabilization has also been proposed and would utilize placement of on-site wood and other bio-engineering features to stabilize areas that are currently unstable, while maintaining those that have already stabilized. Native plantings are included in the design and would replace the invasive species already present in the gully.

Site constraints were important to consider for the final design creation, but also were important to consider for construction and operation and maintenance of the treatment. The landowner has granted access to the gully for construction and future maintenance. This access is located off of Route 2 and will minimize any disruption to the operations of The Health Center, avoid further landscaping costs, and prevent the removal of any trees for the purpose of access. It is important to recognize the collaboration and commitment between the Town, the Health Center, and the adjacent landowner, as their teamwork will result in the best outcome for water quality in the region.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues.  The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.

For more information on the project, please visit centralvtplanning.org or contact:

Pam DeAndrea, Senior GIS Planner

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

deandrea@cvregion.com

Phone: (802) 229-0389

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2019

CONTACT:         Pam DeAndrea, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

deandrea@cvrpc.org, Office: (802) 229-0389

 

CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ASSIST STATE TACTICAL BASIN PLANNING

Montpelier, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is pleased to announce expanded outreach and services to municipalities and the public to improve tactical basin planning efforts for the Ompompanoosuc-Stevens-Wells-Waits-Connecticut River Direct Tributaries (Basin 14) and overall water quality efforts.  The work is provided through a grant from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. Activities began this fall and will extend through September 2020.

The Tactical Basin Plan (TBP) for Basin 14 is currently being updated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). CVRPC staff will assist the DEC by facilitating enhanced municipal and public input during the drafting process so that the TBP accurately reflects local concerns and priorities. Basin Plans help provide the umbrella for other various planning initiatives, including Stormwater Master Planning and River Corridor Planning, and ultimately provide a vehicle to strategically address regional water quality priorities.  A formal draft of the TBP is anticipated to be released in July 2020. Tactical Basin Plans help identify and focus efforts needed to protect or restore specific watersheds through the state.

In addition, the CVRPC will also work with its member municipalities to encourage a variety of efforts to improve water quality. These efforts could include suggested improvements to zoning bylaws (such as river corridor bylaw considerations), assistance with securing funding for project development and implementation or helping towns comply with the upcoming Draft General Permit 3-9050, aka the “3-acre” developed lands permit.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues.  The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.  For more information on CVRPC, please visit centralvtplanning.org.

PRESS RELEASE – December 4, 2019

CONTACTS – Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission deandrea@cvregion.com, (802) 223-0389

Steve MacKenzie City Manager, Barre City manager@barrecity.org, (802) 476-0241

Barre City has completed a stormwater mitigation project to stabilize a gully at the end of Pouliot Avenue. The project, originally identified through a stormwater assessment by Friends of the Winooski River and Watershed Consulting Associates, LLC, was funded by a Clean Water Block Grant, through the Clean Water Initiative Program, with local match provided by Barre City. The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with Barre City, Watershed Consulting Associates, LLC, Civil Engineering Associates, and Avery Excavation, Inc. completed this stormwater mitigation project in early October, 2019. The project involved stabilization of a gully at the end of Pouliot Avenue. The severe erosion which occurred over time and caused this gully to develop was a significant source of sediment and phosphorus to the Stevens Branch and eventually Lake Champlain. The erosion was caused by stormwater runoff from both the outlet of Pouliot Avenue in Barre City and the surrounding hillside in Barre Town. The implementation of this project entailed removing debris accumulated within the gully. The gully was stabilized with stone gabions (blocks of wire baskets filled with stone), vegetated side slopes, retrofitted culvert, and stone stabilization around the culvert. Please contact Pamela DeAndrea or Steve MacKenzie with any questions. The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues. The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.


For Immediate Release

November 26, 2019

Northfield Water Street Stormwater Mitigation

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC), in partnership with the Town of Northfield, Watershed Consulting Associates (WCA), Aldrich & Elliot (A&E), and G&N Excavation has completed the a stormwater mitigation project on Water Street in Northfield, VT.

Through funding provided by the Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the CVRPC retained WCA and A&E to complete a final design and to oversee construction at the site.  G&N Excavation of Fayston was also retained by CVRPC to install new stormwater pipes and catch basins along Union Brook Road and Water Street and to construct an underground infiltration chamber system.  The construction began in June and was completed in October of 2019 and the Town of Northfield assisted in construction of the project.

The concept of the project began in 2014 from the Northfield Village Stormwater Master Plan that identified stormwater treatment along the banks of the Dog River.  Subsequently, the Town acquired land across the street from the river via the FEMA buyout program where three houses were historically flooded, enabling the treatment of more stormwater within an underground system.   This infiltration system is completely underground and the finished land will now be green space for the Town.

Stormwater from nine acres of impervious surfaces that used to run down Union Brook Road and enter the Dog River from the surrounding neighborhood is now absorbed into this lot resulting in decrease in sediment and phosphorus loading.  This project ties into statewide efforts to reduce phosphorus loading to Lake Champlain, which results in algal blooms unhealthy to both aquatic species and humans.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues.  The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.

For more information on the project, please visit centralvtplanning.org or contact:

Pam DeAndrea, Senior GIS Planner

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

deandrea@cvregion.com

Phone: (802) 229-0389

For Immediate Release

June 18, 2019

The Town of Berlin has completed a Final Design for a stormwater project to
improve drainage at the Berlin Town Offices and Town Garage site. The project,
originally identified in the Berlin 2017 Stormwater Master Plan, will include regrading,
revegetation, a filter strip, and a gravel wetland to treat stormwater at the site to help
protect nearby Pond Brook. Once implemented, these stormwater control measures will
reduce the impact of stormwater flow from this large impervious area making the area
more resilient to future flooding events and improve water quality of receiving waters.
Funding for this project was provided by the Clean Water Block Grant through the Vermont Clean Water Initiative Program, with local match provided by the Town of Berlin.
Please contact Pamela DeAndrea or Dana Hadley with any questions.

CONTACT – Pamela DeAndrea, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
deandrea@cvregion.com, (802) 223-0389

Dana Hadley
Town Administrator, Town of Berlin
townadministrator@berlinvt.org, (802) 552-8801

May 13, 2019

Mad River and Kingsbury Branch Watersheds Stormwater Master Plans

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC), in partnership with the Friends of the Mad River (FMR) and Watershed Consulting Associates (WCA), has completed the process for Stormwater Master Planning for eight municipalities – five in the Mad River and three in the Kingsbury Branch watersheds. Stormwater runoff is rain and snow melt which runs off the land, carrying pollutants and eroded sediment into our waterways. Runoff decreases the quality of streams and lakes and contributes to flooding damages. Communities and landowners have the opportunity to reduce these negative impacts with “green stormwater infrastructure” that aims to manage runoff close to its source and using techniques that imitate natural hydrologic processes.

Through funding provided by the Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the CVRPC retained WCA to complete two Stormwater Master Plans (SWMPs): one for the Kingsbury Branch Watershed including chapters for the towns of Calais, East Montpelier and Woodbury; and one, with Friends of the Mad River, for the Mad River Watershed including chapters for the towns of Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren, Fayston, and Duxbury. The CVRPC, WCA, and FMR team worked to engage municipal stakeholders for each town so that the results of the process were understood and the products were of local value. WCA created online story maps for each of the towns to provide information on stormwater, solutions to stormwater mitigation using green stormwater infrastructure, and results of the stormwater master planning process. The results include the top five priority sites for each of the eight municipalities, along with 30% engineering designs and artistic renderings for projects to address water quality and quantity issues at these sites. By completing the initial engineering designs for these priority sites, each municipality can focus on securing funds for final engineering designs and project implementation, which will help the state advance goals to reduce phosphorus loading in the Lake Champlain basin.

“Our Mad River Valley communities have been working together for four years through our Ridge to River coalition to keep our water clean and reduce our vulnerabilities to flooding, “ said Corrie Miller, Friends of the Mad River Director. “We’re excited to have these stormwater master plans be one important outcome of this work.”
The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues. The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.

For more information on the project, please visit centralvtplanning.org or contact:
Pam DeAndrea, Senior GIS Planner
Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
deandrea@cvregion.com
Phone: (802) 229-0389


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2019

Contact:           Bonnie Waninger, Executive Director; Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

Email: waninger@cvregion.com | Phone:  802-229-0389

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission to change monthly meeting time

 

Beginning in April, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission’s Board of Commissioners meetings will change from the 7:00 pm start time to a 6:30 pm start time.  Meetings will continue to be held at the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce on Paine Turnpike in Berlin, VT.  The public is always welcome at our meetings.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission is a consortium of 23 towns and cities in Washington County and western Orange County.  The Commission provides planning, development, and project implementation assistance to communities.  All municipalities in the region are entitled to equal voting representation by a locally appointed member to the governing Board of Commissioners.

CVRPC projects & programs include:  Municipal plan and bylaw updates; brownfields assessments; transportation planning; emergency planning; energy conservation and development planning and projects; natural resources planning and projects; regional plan coordination and development; Geographic Information System services; grant writing and management; as well as such special projects as downtown revitalization, recreation paths, farmland preservation, economic development, and affordable housing projects.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2019 at 6:30 pm. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                           

Contact:               Clare Rock, Senior Planner

(802) 229-0389 | rock@cvregion.com

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

Date:                      March 14, 2019

Decreasing flooding, caring for woodlands and free pancakes!

Water Wise Woodlands hosts Caring for you Woods Pancake Breakfast March 30, 2019

Montpelier, VT – On March 7, 2019 the National Weather Service issued its fifth Vermont flood outlook for the 2019 winter/spring season, in short the threat for flooding due to runoff from snowmelt and rainfall is above normal in our region. Vermont is no stranger to the damaging effects of flooding. Many residents of Central Vermont remember the devastating flooding which hit Montpelier in March 1992. And even more recently in 2011. Water Wise Woodlands wants to assist rural landowners in Plainfield, Marshfield and Cabot decrease potential property damages caused by flooding. A free pancake breakfast will be held on March 30, 2019 in Marshfield, foresters will discuss how woodland property owners can care for their woods and decrease flood damages, encourage wildlife, and protect water resources.

The Winooski River valley has experienced several devastating floods though out time. Heading up stream from Plainfield, though Marshfield, the river can be traced back to its source in Cabot. Up in the headwaters small tributaries feed into the main stem. During heavy rain events all these small streams collectively contribute to rising floodwaters downstream. Maintaining trees and woods along all the small tributaries can have a cumulative impact, decreasing overall the amount and force of floodwater.

The connection between forests and flooding may not be initially obvious, but forests and woodlands play a key role in absorbing rainfall and melting snow. Forested areas along streams and rivers can help trap and catch debris which would otherwise block bridges and culverts downstream, and root systems can stabilize banks and prevent or decrease erosion. Whether you have 5 or 500 acres of woodland, property owners can help prevent flood damage and produce one of Vermont’s most important forest products, clean water.

Water Wise Woodlands will be hosting a free Pancake Breakfast on March 30, 2019, from 9 am to 1 pm at Twinfield Union School in Marshfield. Professional foresters and other experts will be on hand to share information about how to care for your woodland, wildlife and protect water resources. Breakfast will be followed by a brief presentation and hands on workshops. Participants can choose to participate in a pruning workshop, a tree identification walk, or learn about the first steps of developing a stewardship or management plan for their property.

Water Wise Woodlands is a partnership project between the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, Friends of the Winooski River and the Vermont Woodlands Association; with funding from the High Meadows Fund.


For Immediate Release                                            January 10, 2019

 

Contact

Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner Pamela DeAndrea
Chittenden County Regional PlanningCommission Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org or 861-0133 deandrea@cvregion.com or 229-0389
   
Gianna Petito, District ManagerWinooski Natural Resources Conservation District
gianna@winooskinrcd.org or 778-3178

Partners Collaborating on Winooski River Water Quality Efforts

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC), and the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) are pleased to announce expanded outreach and services to landowners, municipalities and the public in support of the Vermont Clean Water Act (VCWA) and improved tactical basin planning efforts for Basin 8, the Winooski River Basin and Basin 9, the White River Basin.  The work is provided through two grants provided by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Activities began in late 2018 and will extend through the fall of 2019.

The CCRPC and the CVRPC will work with their member municipalities on programs such as improved zoning bylaws and stormwater master plans to improve water quality and incorporating municipal priorities into the Winooski River Tactical Basin Plan and the White River Tactical Basin Plan (CVRPC only).  Other activities that both planning commissions will do as part of this project include general municipal outreach for Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation water quality policies and permit programs, Winooski River Tactical Basin Plan and the White River Tactical Basin Plan (CVRPC only) development and development of municipal water quality improvement projects.

The WNRCD will be responding to municipal and landowner requests for technical assistance in developing and implementing stormwater and natural resource solutions that promote clean water and improved aquatic habitat. WNRCD will also coordinate monitoring programs to support science-based water quality investments, organize local workgroups, and develop priority water quality projects among other services.  As part of this body of work, Conservation Districts and Regional Planning Commissions will be closely coordinating activities to provide complementary support for the State’s Tactical Basin Planning process.

Tactical Basin Plans help identify and focus efforts needed to protect or restore specific watersheds through the state.  The partners will be focused primarily on implementation of projects outlined in the Winooski River Tactical Basin Plan and the White River Tactical Basin Plan (CVRPC only) this year, working to identify priorities, document progress and conduct outreach necessary to develop priority projects and garner greater local support and awareness of the Basin Plan’s goals.  Local identified water quality priorities in Tactical Basin Plans are well positioned for development and funding via the State’s Clean Water Initiative.  Basin Plans help provide the umbrella for other various planning initiatives, including Stormwater Master Plans and River Corridor Plans, and ultimately provide a vehicle to strategically address regional water quality priorities such as the Lake Champlain Total Maximum Daily Load.

The CCRPC provides planning and technical assistance in the areas of community development, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, housing, economic development, telecommunications and emergency management to the 19 municipalities of Chittenden County and to the public, while remaining consistent with federal and state requirements. The collaboration between the CCRPC, Chittenden County municipalities and other related resources agencies results in the developmentand implementation of plans that support sustainable development and improve the region’s environment and quality of life. For more information about the CCRPC, please visitwww.ccrpcvt.org.

The CVRPC assists its member municipalities to provide effective local government and work cooperatively to address regional issues.  The Commission also works with area non-profits, other regional organizations, State and Federal agencies, and the public to implement projects and programs tailored to Central Vermont and statewide needs.

For more information on the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, please visit: centralvtplanning.org

The Winooski NRCD is one of 14 conservation districts throughout Vermont. It encompasses all of Chittenden and Washington County as well as parts of Orange County (Orange, Williamstown and Washington). The district relies on grants and individual donations to complete its conservation work. The WNRCD focuses its resources on completing conservation projects based in solid science to provide solutions within the areas of agricultural assistance, forestland enhancement, urban conservation and watershed stewardship. For more information on the Winooski NRCD please visit: www.winooskinrcd.org